Introduction: Craving a Classic, Hearty Hot Dog?
Want a fun, flavorful meal that’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings? Chili Coney Dogs are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish tops juicy hot dogs with a savory, spiced beef chili sauce, served on soft buns with your favorite toppings like cheese, relish, or onions. With minimal prep, the slow cooker does the work, delivering a crowd-pleasing dish that’s bursting with bold flavors. Ready to create a delicious, all-American treat? Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Overview: Why Chili Coney Dogs Are Special
Chili Coney Dogs are a nostalgic, satisfying dish that elevates classic hot dogs with a rich, homemade chili sauce. The slow-cooker method makes them stand out. Here’s why they’re so special:
- Time Requirement: About 15 minutes prep, 6-8 minutes browning beef, 4-5 hours cooking on Low, for a total of about 4.5-5.5 hours (mostly hands-off).
- Difficulty Level: Easy! Simple stovetop and slow-cooker steps make it great for beginners or busy cooks.
- Why It’s Unique: The slow cooker melds lean ground beef with a tangy, spiced tomato-based sauce, infusing hot dogs with deep flavor. Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, and a dash of cayenne add a subtle kick, while optional toppings like cheddar cheese or relish let you customize each dog. This recipe is budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for casual meals or parties.
This recipe is bold, versatile, and perfect for hot dog lovers or fans of classic diner food. Let’s get cooking!
Essential Ingredients
This recipe serves 8 and uses simple ingredients for a flavorful, satisfying dish. Here’s what you’ll need for the original (1x) recipe:
- For the Chili Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Dash cayenne pepper
- For the Coney Dogs:
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns, split
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Relish
- Mustard
- Chopped onion
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Lean beef creates a rich, meaty chili sauce without excess fat.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the tangy, saucy base of the chili.
- Water: Thins the sauce for slow-cooking consistency.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory, umami depth.
- Dried Minced Onion: Provides onion flavor without chopping.
- Garlic Powder, Ground Mustard, Chili Powder: Add savory, spicy, and warm notes.
- Pepper and Cayenne: Enhance flavor with mild heat.
- Hot Dogs: The star, absorbing chili flavor in the slow cooker.
- Buns: Soft and sturdy for holding chili and toppings.
- Toppings: Cheese, relish, mustard, and onion add texture and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
- Water: Replace with beef broth for richer flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Swap with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Dried Minced Onion: Use 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Spices: Adjust cayenne for more heat or add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for smokiness.
- Hot Dogs: Use turkey dogs, beef franks, or veggie dogs.
- Buns: Try pretzel buns, whole wheat buns, or gluten-free buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Lower Fat: Use 93% lean beef or reduce cheese topping.
- Spicy Coney Dogs: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the chili.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Chili Coney Dogs is quick and easy, with a stovetop start and slow-cooker finish. Follow these steps for a perfect meal!
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Measure 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, ground mustard, chili powder, and pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Set out 8 hot dogs and 8 hot dog buns (split).
- Prepare optional toppings: shred cheddar cheese, measure relish, mustard, and chop onion.
Tip: Prep toppings while beef cooks to save time; keep buns covered to stay soft.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, garlic powder, ground mustard, chili powder, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well to combine.
Tip: Break beef into small crumbles for even texture; drain fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Add Hot Dogs: Place 8 hot dogs in a 3-quart slow cooker.
- Top with Chili: Pour the beef mixture over the hot dogs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
Tip: Arrange hot dogs in a single layer for even heating; stir gently to coat with sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until hot dogs are heated through and flavors meld (hot dogs should reach 165°F/74°C internally).
Tip: Check at 4 hours; stir halfway if desired to redistribute sauce. Avoid overcooking to keep hot dogs plump.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Buns: Place split hot dog buns on a serving platter or plates.
- Add Hot Dogs: Use tongs to place a hot dog in each bun.
- Top with Chili: Spoon chili sauce over each hot dog, about 1/4 cup per dog.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, relish, mustard, or chopped onion as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with napkins and sides like fries or coleslaw.
Tip: Serve hot for the best flavor; offer extra chili sauce on the side for dipping.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Chili Coney Dogs
Assembling Chili Coney Dogs is all about layering juicy hot dogs with savory chili and customizable toppings for a classic, handheld meal. Here’s how to put it together:
- Cook Beef: Brown beef and mix with sauce for a rich chili.
- Slow Cook: Simmer hot dogs in chili for deep flavor.
- Prep Buns: Split buns for a soft base.
- Assemble: Place hot dogs in buns, top with chili and toppings.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite sides.
Presentation Tips:
- Serve on a colorful platter with toppings in small bowls for a DIY Coney dog bar.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or extra cheese for a diner-style look.
- Pair with fries, onion rings, or a pickle spear for a classic meal.
- Use checkered paper liners or trays to enhance the retro vibe.
Serving Suggestions
Chili Coney Dogs are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some ideas to enjoy them:
- Game-Day Feast: Serve with nachos, chips, or potato salad for a tailgate spread.
- Family Dinner: Pair with baked beans or a green salad for a casual meal.
- Party Platter: Make mini Coney dogs with slider buns for bite-sized treats.
- Kid-Friendly Meal: Skip spicy toppings and serve with fries for a fun dinner.
- With Extras: Add a side of coleslaw, corn on the cob, or extra mustard for zing.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Chili Coney Dogs are great for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storing Leftovers:
- Store chili sauce and hot dogs separately (without buns or toppings) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep buns at room temperature.
- Reheating: Reheat chili and hot dogs in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes. Warm buns in a 350°F oven for 3-5 minutes.
- Make-Ahead Tips:
- Chili: Cook chili sauce up to 2 days ahead; refrigerate and reheat before adding to slow cooker with hot dogs.
- Toppings: Prep cheese, onions, and relish up to 1 day ahead; store in the fridge.
- Freezing: Freeze chili sauce (without hot dogs) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, reheat, and cook with fresh hot dogs in the slow cooker.
Tip: Assemble with fresh buns and toppings for the best texture when serving leftovers.
Recipe Variations
Chili Coney Dogs are versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists to try:
- Spicy Coney Dogs: Increase cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon or add a sliced jalapeño to the chili.
- Cheesy Chili Dogs: Mix 1/2 cup shredded cheddar into the chili sauce before slow-cooking.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Lower Fat: Use 93% lean beef or turkey and skip cheese topping.
- Vegetarian Coney Dogs: Swap beef with plant-based crumbles and use veggie hot dogs, cooking for 3-4 hours.
- BBQ Chili Dogs: Add 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce to the chili for a smoky twist.
- Stovetop Option: After browning beef, simmer chili with hot dogs in a skillet over low heat for 30-45 minutes, then serve.
Tip: Keep the chili sauce and hot dogs for the classic Coney experience.
Conclusion: Savor Your Chili Coney Dogs!
You’ve just made Chili Coney Dogs—a fun, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion! This slow-cooker recipe is easy, versatile, and so delicious it’ll become a go-to for casual meals. Whether you load them with cheese or keep it simple with mustard, these Coney dogs are sure to satisfy. Grab a bun, pile on the chili, and enjoy the diner vibes. What’s your favorite Coney dog topping? Share your ideas in the comments, and happy cooking!
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Chili Coney Dogs
Description
Want a fun, flavorful meal that’s perfect for game days, family dinners, or casual gatherings? Chili Coney Dogs are the ultimate recipe! This slow-cooker dish tops juicy hot dogs with a savory, spiced beef chili sauce, served on soft buns with your favorite toppings like cheese, relish, or onions.
Ingredients
- For the Chili Sauce:
- 1 pound lean ground beef (90% lean)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Dash cayenne pepper
- For the Coney Dogs:
- 8 hot dogs
- 8 hot dog buns, split
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Relish
- Mustard
- Chopped onion
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Ground Beef: Lean beef creates a rich, meaty chili sauce without excess fat.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the tangy, saucy base of the chili.
- Water: Thins the sauce for slow-cooking consistency.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds savory, umami depth.
- Dried Minced Onion: Provides onion flavor without chopping.
- Garlic Powder, Ground Mustard, Chili Powder: Add savory, spicy, and warm notes.
- Pepper and Cayenne: Enhance flavor with mild heat.
- Hot Dogs: The star, absorbing chili flavor in the slow cooker.
- Buns: Soft and sturdy for holding chili and toppings.
- Toppings: Cheese, relish, mustard, and onion add texture and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Beef: Swap with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Tomato Sauce: Use crushed tomatoes or marinara sauce.
- Water: Replace with beef broth for richer flavor.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Swap with soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.
- Dried Minced Onion: Use 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh onion or 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Spices: Adjust cayenne for more heat or add 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika for smokiness.
- Hot Dogs: Use turkey dogs, beef franks, or veggie dogs.
- Buns: Try pretzel buns, whole wheat buns, or gluten-free buns.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free buns and ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free.
- Lower Fat: Use 93% lean beef or reduce cheese topping.
- Spicy Coney Dogs: Add 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the chili
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
- Measure 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, ground mustard, chili powder, and pepper, and a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Set out 8 hot dogs and 8 hot dog buns (split).
- Prepare optional toppings: shred cheddar cheese, measure relish, mustard, and chop onion.
Tip: Prep toppings while beef cooks to save time; keep buns covered to stay soft.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook 1 pound lean ground beef until no longer pink, 6-8 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Add Sauce and Seasonings: Stir in tomato sauce, water, Worcestershire sauce, dried minced onion, garlic powder, ground mustard, chili powder, pepper, and cayenne. Mix well to combine.
Tip: Break beef into small crumbles for even texture; drain fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Assemble in Slow Cooker
- Add Hot Dogs: Place 8 hot dogs in a 3-quart slow cooker.
- Top with Chili: Pour the beef mixture over the hot dogs, ensuring they’re fully covered.
Tip: Arrange hot dogs in a single layer for even heating; stir gently to coat with sauce.
Step 4: Slow Cook
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on Low for 4-5 hours, until hot dogs are heated through and flavors meld (hot dogs should reach 165°F/74°C internally).
Tip: Check at 4 hours; stir halfway if desired to redistribute sauce. Avoid overcooking to keep hot dogs plump.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
- Prep Buns: Place split hot dog buns on a serving platter or plates.
- Add Hot Dogs: Use tongs to place a hot dog in each bun.
- Top with Chili: Spoon chili sauce over each hot dog, about 1/4 cup per dog.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese, relish, mustard, or chopped onion as desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with napkins and sides like fries or coleslaw.
Tip: Serve hot for the best flavor; offer extra chili sauce on the side for dipping
FAQs
Q: Are Chili Coney Dogs healthy?
A: Lean beef is protein-rich, but the sauce and toppings can be high in sodium and fat. Use low-sodium tomato sauce, leaner meats, or skip cheese for a lighter option. Pair with veggies for balance.
Q: Can I use all-beef hot dogs?
A: Yes! Any hot dog works—beef, pork, turkey, or veggie. Beef hot dogs add richer flavor; adjust cooking time if using pre-cooked varieties (3-4 hours).
Q: Why is my hot dogs soggy?
A: Overcooking or excess sauce can cause this. Cook for 4-5 hours and use tongs to lift hot dogs from the slow cooker to avoid soaking them in sauce.
Q: Can I cook this on High?
A: Yes, cook on High for 2-2.5 hours, checking for hot dog temperature (165°F/74°C). Low is better for flavor infusion, but High works for faster meals.
Q: Can I make the chili thicker?
A: Reduce water to 1/4 cup or simmer chili longer in the slow cooker uncovered for the last 30 minutes. Alternatively, add 1 teaspoon cornstarch to the sauce before slow-cooking.
Q: Can I freeze Chili Coney Dogs?
A: Yes! Freeze chili sauce (without hot dogs or buns) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge, reheat, and cook with fresh hot dogs and toppings in the slow-cooker.